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Modeling clay apple
Make an apple from ordinary non-drying modeling clay in six illustrated steps. Learn a shallow dimple and a broad leaf join. Free printable A4 PDF.
Modeling and air-dry clay crafts for kids
Choose your material and project: a non-drying modeling clay snail or an air-dry clay pinch pot. Start with simple forms, check each step and practice the technique independently.
- 9 lessons
- Free, no sign-up
- Modeling and air-dry clay
Choose a model A picture and a check for every step
- 1Roll a ball
Soften the clay and prepare a basic form.
- 2Roll an even rope
Move your palm from the middle toward the ends.
- 3Coil and join
Make a spiral and check that the model stands.
What will you model today?
Choose a snail or a pinch pot. Age and time are guides; adjust help to the child’s skills.
Modeling clay carrot
Make a carrot from ordinary non-drying modeling clay in six illustrated steps. Practice tapering and sturdy leaf joins. Free printable A4 PDF.
Modeling clay hedgehog
Make a hedgehog from ordinary non-drying modeling clay in six illustrated steps. Pull a short snout and pinch soft quills. Free printable A4 PDF.
Modeling clay ladybug
Make a ladybug from ordinary non-drying modeling clay: a rounded body, joined head and flat spots. Six illustrated steps and a free printable A4 PDF.
Modeling clay mushroom
Make a mushroom with ordinary non-drying modeling clay in six illustrated steps. Practice a short stem and broad joins. Free printable A4 PDF guide.
Air-dry clay pinch pot
Make a small decorative air-dry clay bowl in six illustrated steps. Learn thumb indentation and even pinching, fix common mistakes and download a free A4 PDF.
Modeling clay pumpkin
Make a pumpkin from ordinary non-drying modeling clay in six illustrated steps. Practice shallow grooves and a sturdy stem join. Free printable A4 PDF.
Modeling clay snail
Make a snail from non-drying modeling clay: six illustrated steps, rope and spiral practice, fixes for common mistakes and a free A4 PDF guide.
Modeling clay turtle
Make a non-drying modeling clay turtle in six illustrated steps. Practice equal feet and broad joins, fix common mistakes and download a free A4 PDF guide.
Get clay and a board ready
Use soft non-drying modeling clay for the snail and air-dry clay for the pinch pot. Check the chosen lesson’s materials; neither project needs baking.
- Use the material named in the lesson: non-drying modeling clay and air-dry clay behave differently.
- Try the technique briefly first and help with difficult finger movements.
- Check the shape and stability rather than an exact match to the picture.
Model with an adult nearby
Clay is not for eating; leave off tiny details if needed. Check the shape and stability, choose your own colors and work at your own pace.
Before the first session
Which model should I start with?
Try the snail: a short rope for the body and a spiral for the shell. Practice rolling a small piece before starting the lesson.
Can I model away from a screen?
Yes. Each lesson includes a free two-page A4 PDF with six pictures, actions and checkpoints.